Apple iOS 5.0.1 updateApple is taking its new over-the-air update system for a spin today with iOS 5.0.1. The company expects the update to squash battery-draining bugs in the iPhone 4S and add multitasking gestures to the iPad.

The software update also includes improvements to voice recognition for Australian users and resolves bugs with Documents in the Cloud.

Additions as Well as Fixes

But iOS 5.0.1 isn't all about squashing bugs. It also adds multitouch navigation gestures for the original iPad. Users can now swipe up with four or five fingers to open the multitasking menu, swipe left or right to move between open apps, and pinch to return to the home screen. To activate these gestures, go to the "General" section in Settings, and look for the "Multitasking Gestures" option.

As the first software update since the launch of iOS 5, this was also Apple's first opportunity to try over-the-air updates. Users can check for the update by going to the "General" section in Settings, then tapping on "Software Update." A listing for the new version should appear. Apple recommends connecting to a power source to conserve battery, but it's not required.